The sun had barely risen over Bhubaneswar. A soft golden mist clung to the trees as the park stirred awake. Few walkers were out yet, only the rustle of leaves and the distant chirp of birds echoing through the morning hush.

Rudra followed behind Rekha, watching her hips sway in snug, dark gray track pants and a zipped-up black hoodie. Her hair was tied in a loose bun, and the outline of her figure underneath the athletic wear was impossible to ignore.